Thursday, January 28, 2010

This is my space, I wish that I could claim a studio or even a sewing room, but alas I can do neither. My work is done on the kitchen table. Thank God for Summer - we can eat outside and I don't have to clean up this mess three times a day.

I have inserted some numbers into the photo to talk you through some elements of my mess.

1. This mural (scribble) is proof that I share my creative space with a toddler. The only room to yet escape her stealthy crayon work is the lounge room. It's the quick and the crayola around here.

2. This is my trusty Janome. I would love to see the stats of how many hours I have sat at it with the pedal to the metal.

3. My new favourite toy - my Philips GC3360 - who knew an iron could give you so much pleasure.

4. A quilt I am working on in 30s reproduction fabrics for my best friend's little girl.

5. Lisianthus, one of my favourite flowers, although I do prefer them in pink.

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Here are the quilts for our upcoming retreats at Wallaroo and Mannum. We are offering the same two projects for both retreats. I have designed one of the quilts and the other is the gorgeous Jelly Stars pattern by Joanna Figueroa of Fig Tree Quilts. The quilts are both made using a Moda Jelly Roll and yardage. But first a little story about the one that I have designed....my first Friday finish for the year!

Those of you who know me are aware that I am a Jane Austen tragic. I have a mini library of her books on my bedside table and read them all (except Mansfield Park) at least once a year. The basic shape of my new quilt is inspired by a coverlet that Jane, her sister Cassandra and their mother made.

Here is the Austen quilt on display at Austen's last home, Chawton.

The fabric I chose for the quilt is Rouenneries by French General. This fabric line is absolutely gorgeous but it has special significance for me because in a past life I spent a very drizzly Normandy winter living in Rouen, the town after which the fabric is named.

This is the very famous Le Gros Horloge which spans the street leading to the main shopping district in Rouen. This clock dates from the Renaissance and tells you not only the time, but the phases of the moon and depicts the days of the week using mythological subjects.

The photo below is of the Rouen cathedral, made famous by Monet, who made it the subject of over a dozen paintings. He used to sit in what was then a dressmakers shop opposite the cathedral and paint it at different times of the day exploring the effects the light had on the Gothic architecture.

One of Monet's paintings of the cathedral.

So without further ado I would like to introduce you to "Jane Says" my latest design. It is made for a queen sized bed and measures 78" x 85" with the border on.

Below is the other quilt we are offering, "Jelly Stars". It measures 74" x 74".

Patchwork on Parade will have kits available for both projects in Rouenneries, Aster Manor, Wiscasset and Blessings. Simple Abundance, Odyssea and Vine Creek are also available in a Jelly Roll only. Please contact Sharon on 0411 468 924 for details.

Our Mannum retreat is now booked out, but there a still a few places left for Wallaroo. We have a fabulous time planned for you all so give Sharon a call if you would like to be a part of the fun.

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

I'm not really sure what happened in December but I think that in the pre-Christmas stress-athon I lost my blogging mojo. However, it is a new month, a new year, a new decade and in the words of George Costanza - I'm back baby!

Despite being M.I.A from blogger during the festive season I was in fact being pretty festive sewing up a storm of gifts and Christmas paraphenalia of which I will post some photos over the coming couple of days.

I used this awesome free pattern by Oliver + S to make these skirts for Scarlett....

I wanted to get some t-shirts to match for her and in a moment of serendipity I came across these in Target (where all good things come from).

Speaking of Target.... I have needed to get a new iron for a couple of months now. My Tefal (God bless it) has had a hard life and the steam button is stuck down and the tab to open the water reservoir perished and broke off. I hit the shops yesterday hoping for a bargain - Myer let me down, no sales. Big W let me down, no top quality irons. Target was looking like coming through for me, they had 10% off. I found the iron that I thought that I wanted but there was no price on it and the model under it was $90. I didn't really want to pay that much (the scrooge in me hadn't magically disappeared on Christmas morning) but I took the desirable pink super steam iron over to the price check point anyway. I couldn't believe my eyes when it scanned at $34.00!!! Bring it on. I practically sprinted to the checkout and whipped out my credit card before someone realised the error of their ways. Here it is in all its glory.

I tell you 2010 is off to a great start! And what would a new year be without the compulsory resolutions? One of mine is to regain control of my fabric stash. I started by sorting my scrap box into fabric lines and styles and popping them into snap lock bags. I love the feeling of inner calm I get from sealing things into plastic bags. Now for the other 5 boxes I have stashed under my bed....

I have also been working madly on one of the quilts for our retreats in February and March. I should be all done and ready to post the finished product by Friday, but here is a wee sneak peak until then.

Lastly, but definitely not leastly, I am excited to announce that I am going to have a project published in the April edition of Homespun! It is a quilt that I made during our Influenza A quarrantine back in July. I can't wait to see it in print and to have it published in my favourite Australian craft magazine is a dream come true.

I have a great feeling about 2010. I can just feel it in my bones that this year is going to be full of opportunities, new beginnings and blessings. Watch this space!